Digital Transformation Is An Inevitable Storm, Brace For it Africa!

In the world today, there is a big talk about digital transformation. It has been a topic that has been widely explored in the tech world and now more and more people are getting involved.

There is no denying that the world is digitally transforming. It is a certainty that will hit us whether we are prepared for it or not. This raises the importance of the world preparing for digital transformation. It is already happening, so why not get accustomed to the changes.

We ought to look at digital transformation from all angles. Each industry has to look at the risks and opportunities presented from digital transformation. There are benefits of the change but not to say that risks are inevitable as well.

The tech industry needs to lead the world in knowing how best we can harness the benefits whilst avoiding or shielding ourselves from the risks.

With digital transformation, one big risk has been security. Everyday we read stories on cyberattacks, ransomware, hackers and sometimes just accidents which lead to huge loss of data, money, or both.

At the CIO 100 Symposium and Awards held at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort, one of the major topics of discussion was digital transformation. It’s evident that tech is transforming the world and Africa is also slowly becoming a tech hub.

The event was meant to celebrate the biggest tech minds in Africa as well as bring them together to discuss how tech can grow in the continent.

It goes without saying that Africa has grown tremendously in technology. Today Africans enjoy convenient services brought about by technology. However, because the continent is more or less an infant in technology, it has also become a host of the risks brought about by digital transformation.

“Instead, it’s crucial to note that the attacks (cyber-attacks) used on African targets are the same as seen elsewhere. The situation isn’t unique. Perhaps the higher prevalence of local attacks point to shortcomings in preparedness and technology investments,” says Dean Steenkamp, Check Point Channel Manager at Westcon-Comstor Sub-Saharan Africa.

Africa has grown in tech and will continue to grow. There have been improvements in various technological sectors for example telecommunications technology and electrical technology.

Kenyan telecommunications company, Soliton Telmec, has been among the companies at the forefront of improving this technology in the country. The firm has been offering Africans a combination of specialized skills in server systems, network transmission and deployment.

In terms of energy technology, Eaton, is among the companies that have made significant contributions to digital transformation in Africa.

“Every day, all around the world, people depend on technology, transportation, energy and infrastructure to live and work. With rapid growth in electrification, an energy transition driven by climate change and explosive growth in connectivity, we’re well positioned to solve the world’s toughest electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power management challenges,” says the power management company.

When talking about digital transformation, it is important to also mention the financial bit of it. Financial technology (Fintech) has also been growing. Finserve is among the firms that have piloted the growth of fintech in Africa.

Finserve was borne out of a deep-seated need to break down financial barriers and it addresses complex financial and lifestyle obstacles by employing a data & insight driven culture, and efficiency to build products that produce richer customer experiences.

Africa is digitally transforming, it is about time that we look at the positives and negatives of this change. It’s time for Africa to go digital.